Bayesian Identification of a Prototype Nonlinear Energy Sink Device

Nonlinear energy sinks devices are structural attachments which have the potential to enhance passive structural control in earthquake-susceptible structures, similar to tuned mass dampers. These devices are designed to leverage geometric nonlinearities in their construction to extract vibrational energy from the primary structure over a wide range of frequencies. Prior to implementing these devices in real-world structures, additional characterization of their behavior and establishment of identification and monitoring techniques is necessary. In this project, the results of which are given in the linked publications, we develop a robust method for identifying a prototype nonlinear energy sink device which leverages Sobol’ sensitivity analysis to inform the implementation of an unscented Kalman filter identification approach.